Jesus will lead you to places and people that are ready to receive your timely help.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said,
Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions
were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said
to Simon, Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
LUKE 5:8-11
I’m privileged to work with compassionate people who serve free meals in our community. I’ve also seen other people travel overseas to serve in a hospital, provide a shower ministry to homeless people, visit elderly people in a local convalescent home, care for children, and encourage prisoners in jail.
There is a very positive golden thread in these acts of service: they are motivated by grace! Maybe you can relate to an inner drive that is derived out of love? Sadly, history is full of people who have used religion and Jesus’ name to justify vile behavior. In contrast, when you let God’s grace fill your heart, you are capable of the most God-glorifying actions.
Jesus will lead you to places and people that are ready to receive your timely help. Experiencing God’s grace usually involves making some intentional decisions. Peter was a professional fisherman who had been trying to catch fish all night but caught nothing. When Jesus showed up and told Peter where to drop the nets, he didn’t want to listen to Jesus. His pride didn’t want any instructions from Jesus (ever notice how pride hates suggestions and can insist on sticking to a plan that doesn’t work?).
When he simply did what Jesus told him to do, the catch of fish was so abundant that Peter was humbled. Jesus told Peter that greater work is coming. Soon Peter will be reaching men and women for God. Following Jesus is more than just a noble concept, it includes real choices inour everyday lives.
Inspiring? You might also like Nature Shouts God’s Existence
Excerpt republished with permission from Rooted in Grace by Jesse Bradley c. 2012
[…] Inspiring? You might also like Following Jesus Today […]